Schedule:
7:00 AM: L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest: Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race
The Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Race is one of Louisville’s beloved family traditions, and this year, the Derby Festival will feature both Friday and Saturday morning races. The multi-race docket gives spectators young and old more chances to take in the exhilarating view of boundless colors and shapes.
Just 7 balloons flew in the inaugural race from Iroquois Park in 1973.
The Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race is a Hare & Hound Race. This type of race is when all the balloons launch from the same site (Bowman Field). One balloon takes off first and is the Hare balloon. The other balloons are called the Hounds, and they will launch at a predetermined time after the Hare (usually 5 to 10 minutes after). The Hare lands at a suitable site and lays out a large fabric X, usually about 50 feet in diameter. The Hound balloons attempt to drop their markers as close to the center of the X as possible. The closest marker achieves the highest score.
Location: Bowman Field
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM: Kroger's Fest-a-Ville
(Food, drink and pets are NOT permitted)
The ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE featuring concerts with local, regional and national acts, family fun, food, kids’ inflatable playground, midway rides and more.
Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront will return for its 18th year in 2024. Sponsored by Kroger, the party starts on the Great Lawn and runs through Derby Eve. It promises to have something for everyone – and admission is free with a 2024 Pegasus Pin.
The 900,000-square-foot venue will host several Festival events, including the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow, Chow Wagon, Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes, HappyTail Hour, Ken-Ducky Derby, Neigh-Maste on the Waterfront and more.
Fest-a-Ville also offers a wide variety of activities for children, featuring midway-area and attractions at Pegasus Play-Ville Presented by Norton Children’s, including merry-go-round, ships ahoy, a giant slide and much more.
From the opening day ribbon-cutting to Derby Eve, Fest-a-Ville will be the downtown destination at Kentucky Derby Festival time.
Location: Waterfront Park
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM: Chow Wagon
The Chow Wagon returns to Waterfront Park on the Ohio River. The Music Stage will feature live concerts with local and regional entertainment and a wide variety of musical genres including jazz, R&B, country, rock and blues.
The Chow Wagon is food and fun! You can feast on everything from cookie dough to turkey legs and elephant ears. There’s something for everyone!
Where else can you find great food and live musical entertainment in a riverside setting for a 2024 Pegasus Pin admission? Meet your coworkers for lunch or come down for an evening concert. There’s no way to go wrong by making a visit to this great outdoor party.
Location: Waterfront Park
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Dick’s Sporting Goods Race Expo and Packet Pick-up
GE Appliances Derby Festival mini, Marathon & Relay packets can be picked up at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Race Expo And Packet Pick-Up. Runner packets include race bib, timing chip, and important runner instructions.
THERE WILL BE NO PACKET PICKUP ON RACE DAY.
Come for the packet pick-up, stay for activities like:
Picking up Race Day Gear from Swag’s Sport Shoes and other vendors
Chat with the Norton Sports Health Team about the Training Program and pick up your 2024 Race Magnet
Meet your Pace Team
Assisted stretch & pre-race body work with KORT Physical Therapy’s Rehab Team
Visiting the Official Derby Festival Race Day Merchandise shop
Other sampling and tasting opportunities
Location: The Kentucky Exposition Center, Freedom Hall
